Alcoholic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Sensory symptoms, caused by damage to sensory nerves, usually begin in the feet before progressing to the legs, hands, and arms. Usually, when sensory function becomes impaired above the ankle, they will also spread into the hands, a distribution known as the stocking-and-glove pattern.5 Symptoms also often develop symmetrically. In a 2019 article, researchers explain that breaking down alcohol in the body produces a chemical that damages axons.

What are symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy?

Sometimes symptoms get better, especially if caused by a condition that can be treated. It is essential to provide patient education regarding the harmful, long-term consequences of alcohol abuse. Referral to a behavioral health addiction facility may be required to treat alcohol addiction. If you’re struggling to control your drinking and worried about alcoholic neuropathy, help is available. For a list of rehabs and treatment centers near you, visit our rehab directory.

Can alcohol cause pain in your feet?

However, experts still do not have a full understanding of how alcoholic neuropathy happens, which can make treatment challenging. The first alcohol neuropathy step in seeking help for alcohol addiction might be to consult your healthcare provider. They can perform an evaluation, help determine the appropriate setting based on your unique needs, and provide referrals to rehabs. You can also find treatment facilities nationwide using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s FindTreatment.gov website. This is a severe and short-term neurologic disease that can be life threatening.

What are risk factors for alcoholic neuropathy?

A doctor may also recommend treatments to manage neurological symptoms, such as pain relief medications, physical therapy, and mobility aids. Among patients with chronic alcohol use disorder, neuropathy is the most common harmful sequelae. It is estimated that in the United States, 25% to 66% of chronic alcohol users experience some form of neuropathy; however, the true incidence in the general population is unknown. The majority of patients were middle-class, working men, and continuous drinkers were more affected than episodic drinkers.

Alcohol-Related Neurologic Disease

• The first step in seeking help for alcohol addiction might be to consult your healthcare provider.
• A diet poor in nutrients or avoiding eating can make nutritional deficiencies worse.
• In a 2019 study, researchers showed that quitting alcohol had a positive effect on most people’s mental well-being.
• Consuming too much, especially over months or years, can result in severe symptoms.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan to start on your road to recovery.

She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room. Having a healthcare professional come to your house to assist with your needs can relieve a lot of added stress on you to keep track of your treatment plan alone. However, we also offer an empathetic ear and tons of treatment-related insight to help get you on the road to recovery. Reach out to https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-neuropathy-symptoms-and-treatment/ us at to speak to an admissions navigator to learn more about treatment, admissions, and how to take your first steps toward recovery. You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through!

Alcohol-related neurologic disease refers to a range of conditions caused by alcohol intake that affect the nerves and nervous system. Neurologic disorders can include fetal alcohol syndrome, dementia, and alcoholic neuropathy. Electrical nerve stimulation sends a small electrical current through the skin and nerves that can help with sensitivities and pain, making it an option for treatment. Alternative therapies like chiropractic care, body manipulation, acupuncture, meditation, and massage therapy can be helpful in managing pain and symptoms of alcoholic polyneuropathy. The main goal of a treatment program for alcoholic polyneuropathy is to improve quality of life and offer relief from symptoms. A healthcare professional can offer support for people with alcohol use disorder.